GNFL round 15 preview: Finals locked in, but Northampton looking to build confidence with test against Royals

Northampton is looking to build confidence for the 2024 Great Northern Football League finals against top-of-the-ladder Chapman Valley after booking a spot in the top four.

The Rams’ 74-point win over Towns last weekend sealed their ticket to September action, with the side clear in second with three rounds to go.

Sitting in second, a win-and-a-half behind Valley and two-and-a-half wins ahead of Brigades in fourth, Northampton has locked in a top-three finish despite having a bye in the run home.

Coach Grady Tomelty said he was proud of his side’s efforts so far this year.

“Like every other coach in the league, it’s a challenge trying to get a solid 22 each week,” he said.

“I think we’re averaging about six or seven changes a week at the moment, but this week will be the first week we’ve got a quad of about 26 or 27 to choose from.

“We’ve come to the pointy end of the season and the last couple of weeks have put us in a strong position, which will give ourselves every chance.”

The 2023 premiers are locked into finals for the fifth time in six seasons, missing out only in the shortened 2020 season.

Tomelty said it was a testament not only to the playing group but to the town itself.

“We’re a small country town that lives and breathes footy,” he said.

“The results are great, but we want to emphasise a positive family culture and we’ve driven that for as long as I’ve been involved.

“Ten years ago we were losing by 100 points week-in week-out, but we’ve all stuck together and now we’re getting results on the board, which makes it even more special.”

The side has won their past four games but will come up against the undefeated Royals in Northampton on Saturday.

Although they haven’t lost a game, the Royals had their first blemish through a draw with Brigades last week.

JJ Clune medallist Kim Schofield will miss the clash with the Rams, with player-coach and brother Jayden confirming he sustained a hamstring injury.

Tomelty said it would be an important match for his side as they build towards the finals.

“Confidence-wise, it’s a massive game,” he said.

“We know they’re undefeated despite the draw, but they’re the benchmark.

“We want to come out and put up a good fight and hopefully get the chocolates.”

Chapman Valley and Northampton are the highest scoring teams in the competition.

According to Tomelty, the clash will come down to whoever can win the midfield battle.

“They’ve got so many silky players in their midfield, but then you match them up against our guys who are all six-foot plus and probably weigh 85kg,” he said.

“If we can get the dominance with Flynn (Dillon) getting the knocks down to our midfielders and getting in our forward half, I think that’s where the game will be won.

“But then you look at Chapman Valley with their defensive structure and want to run the ball out, so we’re going to have to be clean when we go forward.”

Despite the battle on-field, Tomelty praised both his and the opposing country team for strong performances in all grades so far this season.

“It’s something the GNFL and country footy needs,” he said.

“So often you get the big clubs in big towns that are powerhouses, but here it’s two small country teams flying not just in the league but in all grades.”

In the other matches, Railways will take on Rovers at the Red Dust Holdings Recreation Ground, and Towns host Mullewa at WA Country Builders Stadium.